Construction of hand-operated tape dispensers



June 1, 1965 3,186,892

couswnucuon 0F HAND-OPERATED TAPE DISPENSERS K. S. WALTHERS 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 27, 1961 KENNETH S. WALTHERS INVENTOR.

June 1955 K. s. WALTHERS 3,186,892

CONSTRUCTION OF HAND-OPERATED TAPE DISPENSERS Filed Nov. 27, 1961 2Sheets-Sheet 2 12 BAL .L I: 86 80 KENNETH s. WAL THERS L INVENTOR. a5 11 a7 \1 1: J X gun 5.1g. 5

United States Patent C) Filed Nov. 27, 1961, Ser. No. 155,095 3 Claims.(Cl. 156523) This invention relates to the construction of tapedispensers, and the preferred forms provide devices that can be operatedwith one hand to engage, apply, and cutofl tape of a variety of types.Sealing tape for closing cartons, masking tape for covering surfacesadjacent areas to be painted, and electricians tape for insulating wiresplices are examples of the material that can be handled by devicesembodying this invention. The dispensers can be placed in the pocket ofthe workman, or hung on a convenient hook when not in use. The preferredforms are always ready for instant use. Certain components of the devicefacilitate the application and positioning of the tape, and the unit hasa much greater field of utility than that of a mere storage magazine.

The devices include a frame acting as a container for the tape, and alsoa hollow cantilever extension of the frame through which the protectedtape moves to the point of application. At this point, the preferredforms of the devices include a bearing member for holding the tapeagainst a work surface, and a cut-off mechanism for severing the tape asclose to the bearing member as possible. In this invention, the frameserves the purpose of a handle, with the positioning of the actuator ofthe cut-off mechanism such that the manipulation of it is easilyperformed without shifting the grip on the device, or using more thanone hand. be kept in mind that the forces required to strip certaintypes of tape from the roll are considerable, and the workmen must atall times retain a very firm grip on the device in order to properlymanipulate it. Actuation of the cut-off mechanism has been accommodatedto this condition.

The cut-off mechanism of the preferred form of the invention includes aguideway incorporated in the frame for accommodating a movable knifeblade in a position to intersect the normal path of movement of the tapeas it is being stripped off past the final bearing point of the device.In one modification of the device, the bearing member functioning as thelast point of contact of the device against the tape is also a componentof the guideway establishing the path of movement of the knife blade,and also functions in conjunction with the knife blade to provide forthe removal of insulation from the end of a piece of wire.

It is important that the free end of the tape (after it has been severedby the cut-off mechanism) be properly positioned for the nextapplication. If this is not done, it is most likely that the tape willbecome fouled within the interior of the frame, or be improperly locatedfor convenient contact with the next work surface. Depending upon thenature of the tape to be applied, the invention provides arrangementsfor assuring that the free end of the tape is left in a projectedposition ready for proper application. The several features of theinvention will be analyzed in detail through a discussion of theparticular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In thedrawings:

FIGURE 1 presents a perspective view showing one modification of thedevice held in the usual position for application of sealing tape to acarton.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the same device in perspective, and showing theunit as the cut-off mechanism is actuated.

It must Patented June 1, 1965 FIGURE 3 illustrates the manner ofapplication of the device in a difierent position, such as is commonlyencountered in'the application of masking tape.

FIGURE 4 presents a fragmentary sectional elevation of the deviceillustrated in FIGURES 1, 2, and 3.

FIGURE 5 illustrates a modified form of the invention intended primarilyfor the application of electricians tape.

FIGURE 6 illustrates a movable arm incorporated in the device shown inFIGURE 4 for providing the final bearing point against the tape as it isbeing applied.

FIGURE 7 presents a fragmentary sectional elevation of the device shownin FIGURE 5, in the tape stripping position.

FIGURE 8 illustrates the same device shown in FIG- URE 7, with thecut-off mechanism in the actuated position.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a modification of the invention in which thecut-off mechanism incorporates a means for removing insulation fromwire. FIGURE 9 is in the retracted position of the knife.

FIGURE 10 illustrates the projected position of the knife, and showingthe relationship of the mechanism to a piece of wire from whichinsulation is being removed from the end prior to splicing.

Referring to FIGURES l, 2, 3, 4, and 6, the illustrated device includesa frame generally indicated at 20 and including a container portion 21which accommodates a roll of tape shown at 22 in FIGURE 4. The centralcylindrical member 23 provides a tubular journal on which the roll oftape 22 is loosely and rotatively received. According to the preferredmethod of manipulating the device, the tubular journal 23 can receivethe thumb of the workman, with the fingers being in position adjacentthe lateral extension 24 of the frame for the application of thenecessary forces to strip the tape from the roll 22, and apply thenecessary hearing to force it properly into engagement with the worksurface 25 of a carton 26.

The lateral extension 24 of the frame is hollow and box-like inconstruction, and provides a sheltering conduit for the free end 27 ofthe tape after it has been stripped from the roll 22. In handling tapethat has a very strong adhesive characteristic, such as thenylonreinforced tape commonly used in the closure of carton flaps, it isdesirable to incorporate a roller 28 immediately adjacent the peripheryof the spool 22, with'the free end 27 being threaded through the devicein such a manner that the roller 28 bears upon the gummed surface. Theeffect of this arrangement is to securely position the free end 27, andavoid fouling Within the extension 24. The roller 28 is preferablyrotatably mounted on a pin 29 secured in any convenient fashion at itsopposite ends to the walls of the extension 24. The guide roller 3% issimilarly mounted on the pin 31, and assists in positioning the outerportion of the free end 27 by providing an opening between the roller 36and the edge 32 of the wall 33 of the extension 24 for the emergence ofthe tape. It would be obvious from an inspection of FIGURE 4 that thepositioning of the free end 27 in this manner will make the engagementof the tape with the next work surface a very simple procedure. Theposition of the cut-off mechanism is such that FIGURE 4 illustrates theapproximate position of the free end of the tape at all times.

After the free end 27 has been first placed in contact with a worksurface, the device is manipulated so that the extension 24- is broughtdownward with respect to the tape (in the position shown in FIGURE 1),and the hearing roller assembly 34 will come into engagement with theback of the tape, which is normally not coated with adhesive. The rollerassembly 34 is rotatably mounted on the pivot arm 35; and this arm isitself rotatably supported on the pin 36 secured at opposite ends to thewalls of the hollow extension 24. A torsion spring 37 surrounding thepin 36 has one end engaging the arm 35, and the opposite end engagingthe tab 38 of the extension 24 to apply a biasing action tending torotate the arm 35 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE4. The arm 35 is best shown in FIGURE 6, and is essentially U-shaped inconfiguration. The back 39 connects the side flanges 40 and 41, and thespacing between these flanges is reduced at the outer end of the arm toprovide for the support of the roller assembly 34 at intermediate pointsalong the roller axis. This roller assembly is in the form of threesegments 42-44, all being rotatably mounted on the pin 45. With thisarrangement, the overall axial length of the roller assembly 34 isslightly'less than the space between the side walls defining theextension 24, and bearing force is thereby applied to the free end 27 ofthe tape across substantially the full width thereof, and particularlyat the outer edges.

When the desired length of tape has been applied, the cut-off mechanismof the device shown in FIGURES 1 2, 3, 4, and 6 is actuated bymanipulation of the sliding member 46, which is connected to theextension 24 by the rivets 47 and 48. Movement of the member 46 upwardlyand to the right, as shown in FIGURE 4, will bring the cam portion 49 tobear against the underside of the back 50 of the lever 51, which ispivotally mounted on the pin 52 supported on the cars 53 which areintegral with the extension 24. The lever 51 is preferably U- shaped incross section, and includes the side flanges 54 and 55 connected to theback 50. The knife 56 is slidably mounted with respect to the extension24 in the guideway formed by the opening between the end of theextension 24 and the bar 57. A tab 58 communicates the movement of thelever 51 to the knife 56, and the spring 59 tricians tape. The frame 61includes a removable hollowv journal member 62 which may be detachedfrom the frame by manipulation of the latch 63. The frame has a hollowlateral extension 64 which is open on the underside, except for thetransverse member 65, which terminates in the handle abutment 66. Apositioning roller 67 is rotatably mounted on the pin 68 secured to theextension 64, and the tape 69 normally moves between the roller 67 andthe pivoted plate 70 rotatably mounted on the pin 71. This pin issecured at its opposite ends to the sidewalls of the extension 64, andalso supports the torsion spring 72 acting between the top panel73 ofthe extension and the plate 70 to apply biasing action in acounterclockwise direction.

The cut-off mechanism in this modification of the invention includes alever 74 having opposite side flanges 75 and 76 which also engage thepin 71 to form a pivotal mounting. The extension 77 of the leverprovides an abutment.

the eventthat resistance is desired such as to increase the tension ofthe tape, a braking action can be applied. by the hand to establishresistance of the rotation of the roll 73. with respect to the frame,and thus establish any desired degree of tension in the tape 69 as it isapplied to the wire 79. It should also be noted that the position of theportion 77 with respect to the pin 71 is such that any pressure appliedas a result of the stripping forces will tend to rotate the lever to aposition causing retraction of the knife 80, since the lever positionsthe knife as a result of the engagementof the tab 81. The bar 82 isspaced fromthe end of the extension 64, thus providing a guideway forthe sliding movement of the knife 80, and also providing a bearing pointwith which forces can be applied to the tape 69. When the cuttingmechanism is actuated by shifting of the thumb pressure over onto theportion of the lever to the left of the pin 71, as shown in FIGURE 7,the severing of the tape is instantly followed by a movement of theplate 70 to bring the free end of the tape into contact with thepositioning roller 67, as shown in FIGURE 8. This leaves the tape freeof any tendency to foul within the frame, and positions the end for easeof application to the next work surface.

When the device is used to handle electricians tape,

' it is convenient to form the knife 80 and the bar 82 as shown inFIGURES 9 and 10 to incorporate an added utility to the device.. Theinsulation 83 must frequently be removed from-the metal wire 84preparatory to splicing the wire, and the V-shaped cutting edge 85 ofthe blade 80 may be provided with a sharpened recess 86 which cooperateswith a recess 87 in the bar 82 to form an opening which will justreceive the metal 84 of the wire when the knife 80 is in the projectedposition shown in FIGURE 8. This has the eflect of providing an annularcut around the insulation 83, and the device may be pulled to the right(as shown in FIGURE 10) with respect to the insulation, resulting in thestripping of the piece of insulation indicated at 88 from the end of thewire.

The return of the lever 74 to the FIGURE 7 position after the cut-offshown in FIGURE 8 can be accomplished either through the return ofmanual pressure to the portion 77, or through the use of an independentspring. The leaf spring 89 has a base 90 secured (by spotwelding or anyother convenient means) to the lever 74.

' The free end 91 bears on the top panel 73 of the extension 64 to theleft of the pin 71 to, induce a clockwise rotation of the lever 74, asshown.

The sides of the extensions 24 or 64 may be formed I to assist inaligning the dispenser with a strip to which tape is to be applied. Thisarrangement is shown best in FIGURE 4. The spaced walls 92 and 93 of theextension 24 are continued below the edge 32, as indicated at 94 and 95,to form spaced rails that may embrace a strip to be taped, or serve as aguide against a groove or ridge of a working surface to establish thetape position. This function is in addition to that of protecting thetape as it moves onto the point of application. These rails 94 and 95are preferably rounded at the opposite ends as shown. The dispenser maybe slid along the rounded side of the frame, with the tape properlyapplied by the bearing roller 34, and protected and positioned by therails 94 and 95.

The particular embodiments of the present invention which have beenillustrated and discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only andare not to be considered as a limitation upon the scope of the appendedclaims. In these claims, it is my intent to claim the entire inventiondisclosed herein, except as I am limited by the prior art.

I claim:

1. A tape dispenser, comprising:

a frame including a disengageable tubular journal portion for rotatablyreceiving a spool of tape, said frame having a lateral hollow extensionforming a cantilever beam;

guide roller means rotatably mounted in said frame adjacent the normalposition of the periphery of a spool mounted on said journal portion;

an arm rotatably mounted in said extension; biasing means urging saidarm to a position projecting from said extension;

bearing roller means rotatably mounted at the end of.

5 said arm for movement with respect to said extension, said rollerbeing engaged by said arm at intermediate points along the length ofsaid roller means, said roller means having an axial lengthsubstantially equal to the inside width of said extension; cut-off meansincluding a knife member having a V- shaped cutting edge and slidablymounted in said extension adjacent the end thereof remote from saidjournal portion, said knife member being disposed transversely to thenormal path of movement of said tape, and movable to a positionintersecting the same;

said cut-off means also including biasing means posed transversely tothe normal path of movement of said tape.

3. A tape dispenser, comprising: a frame including a tubular journalportion for rotatably receiving a spool of tape, said frame having alateral hollow extension forming a cantilever beam; and

cut-off means including a knife member movably mounted in said extensionadjacent the end thereof remote from said journal portion, said knifemember being disposed transversely to the normal path of movement ofsaid tape, and movable to a position intersecting the same,

said cut-off means also including lever means pivotally mounted on saidextension and engaging said knife member at a point on said lever meansremote from the pivotal mounting thereof,

said cut-off means also including a cam member slidably mounted on saidextension for actuating said lever.

tending to retract said knife member to a position wherein the cuttingportion thereof is dis- 15 posed within said frame.

2. A tape dispenser, comprising:

a frame for rotatably receiving a spool of tape, said frame having alateral hollow extension forming a cantilever beam; 20

an arm movably mounted in said extension; biasing means urging said armto a position projecting from said extension;

bearing roller means rotatably mounted at the end of said arm formovement with respect to said exten- 5 References Qited by the ExaminerUNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 14,276 3/17 MacLaurin 156-523 2,452,584 11/48Luebkeman l56523 S1011, sa1d roller being engaged by said arm at inter-2 500 157 3/50 Deutsph mediate points along the length of said rollermeans, 2683547 7/54 Fischgr and said roller means having an axial lengthsub- 4 12/55 David 156 523 stantially equal to the inside width of saidextension; 2798552 7/57 A1 dri ch and 30 3,051,223 8/62 Waltz 156527cnt-oflf means including a knife member mounted in said extensionadjacent the end thereof remote from E B E P" E said ournal portion,said knlfe member being (118- ARL M ERG RT "man, xamlrer

1. A TAPE DISPENSER, COMPRISING: A FRAME INCLUDING A DISENGAGEABLETUBULAR JOURNAL PORTION FOR ROTATABLY RECEIVING A SPOOL OF TAPE, SAIDFRAME HAVING A LATERAL HOLLOW EXTENSION FORMING A CANTILEVER BEAM: GUIDEROLLER MEANS ROTATABLY MOUNTED IN SAID FRAME ADJACENT THE NORMALPOSITION OF THE PERIPHERY OF A SPOOL MOUNTED ON SAID JOURNAL PORTION; ANARM ROTABLY MOUNTED IN SAID EXTENSION; BIASING MEANS URGING SAID ARM TOA POSITION PROJECTING FROM SAID EXTENSION; BEARING ROLLER MEANSROTATABLY MOUNTED AT THE END OF SAID ARM FOR MOVEMENT WITH RESPECT TOSAID EXTENSION SAID ROLLER BEING ENGAGED BY SAID ARM AT INTERMEDIATEPOINTS ALONG THE LENGTH OF SAID ROLLER MEANS, SAID ROLLER MEANS HAVINGAN AXIAL LENGTH SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL TO THE INSIDE WIDTH OF SAIDEXTENSION; CUT-OFF MEANS INCLUDING A KNIFE MEMBER HAVING A VSHAPEDCUTTING EDGE AND SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SAID EXTENSION ADJACENT THE ENDTHEREOF REMOTE FROM SAID JOURNAL PORTION, SAID KNIFE MEMBER BEINGDISPOSED TRANSVERSELY TO THE NORMAL PATH OF MOVEMENT OF SAID TAPE, ANDMOVABLE TO A POSITION INTERSECTING THE SAME; SAID CUT-OFF MEANS ALSOINCLUDING BIASING MEANS TENDING TO RETRACT SAID KNIFE MEMBER TO APOSITION WHEREIN THE CUTTING PORTION THEREOF IS DISPOSED WITHIN SAIDFRAME.